Tasmania breaking news: Police believe man died in his home after fire tore through it
Tragically, a house fire has turned fatal in Tasmania’s north. The latest.
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Man dead, woman injured from complex house fire
May 26, 2.45pm: A man has died after a complex house fire at Sidmouth this morning.
Emergency services responded to reports of a fire at Collins Lane, Sidmouth at about 8.20am where firefighters found a house and outbuildings fully engulfed.
Upon arrival, officers say police and fire crews found a person’s body located inside.
A formal identification has not yet been conducted, however police believe person who died is a man who lived at the home.
A woman, who was also lived at the home, was taken to the Launceston General Hospital and reported to be in a stable condition receiving treatment.
Investigators will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
Police say a formal identification of the dead person will be conducted and a report prepared for the coroner.
12pm: Firefighters continue to work to extinguish a complex fire at Sidmouth.
A TFS spokesperson said crews had extinguished the blaze of the main structure, which has been grounded and are working to cool down other areas.
The blaze was first reported at 8.11am through a triple-0 call.
Due to the rural location, fire trucks are refilling their water tanks on the West Tamar Highway, near Collins Lane.
Motorists are set to face delays while the trucks continue the refilling process during the day, police say.
Initial, 9am: Emergency services are responding to a fire tearing through a house and large shed at Collins Lane, Sidmouth on Sunday morning.
A host of northern fire brigades, Beaconsfield, Winkleigh, Gravelly Beach, Legana, Kelso, Hillwood and George Town, are responding to the situation.
Fire fighters say the house and large shed were fully alight on arrival.
Police dog Bernie leads police blitz at waterfront
May 26: Five people were reportedly arrested within 90 minutes during a police crackdown on unruly behaviour on Hobart’s waterfront last night.
The blitz, assisted by PD Bernie and his handler, was a high visibility patrol, which Inspector John Toohey said focused on creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all patrons.
“Whilst the majority of people were well behaved, it was disappointing that a small cohort of individuals were not,” Inspector Toohey said.
“Five people were arrested within 90 minutes during the operation.”
He said those charged included: a 29-year-old Rokeby man for failing to leave licensed premises and resist police, a 30-year-old Midway Point woman for disorderly conduct, a 15-year-old Rokeby boy and a 14-year-old Lenah Valley boy for failing to comply with the direction of a police officer, and a 16-year-old Rokeby girl for damaging property
“In addition to this, 17 people were directed to leave the waterfront area by police with two set to receive fines for possessing alcohol in a public place.”
He said it wouldn’t be the last time PD Bernie would be out on the town conducting further patrols.
“We want to highlight the shared responsibility that everyone has to ensure the safe and enjoyable social scene that Hobart has to offer,” he said.
Young teen charged over rock throwing incident
A 14-year-old has been charged after a rock was hurled at a Metro Bus on Monday, an incident which police say they’ve recently seen more of.
It’s alleged the teen damaged a bus windshield by throwing the rock.
Tasmania Police inspector Jim Semmens said it was not the only incident of rock throwing which was being investigated by police.
He said there had been a number of times vehicles were damaged in Gagebrook and Bridgewater, leading to some bus services being halted.
“These incidents are uncommon, but when they happen, they are very dangerous,” Inspector Semmens said.
“Throwing rocks at any vehicle is unacceptable and dangerous, particularly in the case of heavy vehicles like buses as it places the driver, passengers, and members of the community in danger.
“Tasmania Police is committed to investigating all information received for these types of incidents.”
The teen will be proceeded against under the Youth Justice Act.
15-year-old wounded in Elizabeth Street mall incident
May 25, 11:30pm
A 15-year-old sustained a laceration to their leg during an incident in Hobart’s Elizabeth Street Mall on Friday night.
Police were called to the mall before midnight after receiving reports of the wounding.
The teenager was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Police say the teen and the other people involved in the incident are known to each other.
Stranger danger: Police receive more reports of man in van offering lollies to children
May 24, 3:40pm: There have been more reports about a man in a white van offering children lollies near a Hobart school, police say.
Detective Inspector Craig Joel said the man was reportedly seen near two bus stops in South Hobart before school began on Friday morning.
“While no children have been harmed or assaulted, this man offered children lollies, and his intentions are unclear,” he said.
“Parents and carers are urged to speak with their children about ‘stranger danger’ and personal safety measures.
“Children should be encouraged to walk with adults or friends, be aware of their surroundings, and to report any suspicious behaviour to their school, parents or police.”
The man is described as being about 70 years old and balding with white/grey hair.
Inspector Joel called on the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to police.
Any information can be provided to police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au.
In an emergency people should call Triple-Zero (000).
Facial reconstruction assisting mission to ID skeletal remains
May 22, 2pm: Investigators are hoping a facial reconstruction image can help identify the skeletal remains located in bushland near Clifton Beach in 2023.
The remains were found on July 6,2023 by a farmer clearing bushland halfway between Clifton Beach and Goats Beach, Sargeant Lee Taylor said.
It is estimated the remains had been in the area between 5-50 years.
“Police attended and recovered the remains which showed no signs of physical injuries,” Sargeant Taylor said.
“A forensic examination at the scene located several items with the remains including a pair of black dress shoes with several store-bought orthotics in the heel, a short sleeve top and unreadable identification paperwork; and an old campsite nearby which may be related.”
He said the skeleton belonged to a caucasian man.
He said DAN taken from the remains had not matched any DNA comparisons within the state or nationally.
The Australian Federal Police have provided a craniofacial reconstruction of the man’s potential appearance.
“If anyone can assist police to identify this man, I ask them to come forward.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Sergeant Taylor through on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000.
Stranger driving white van reportedly offering students lollies
May 22, 9.45am: Several school students in Tasmania’s south have reported to police that they’ve been approached by an unknown man in recent days.
The reports has triggered Tasmania Police to issue a warning to be aware of suspicious activity near schools.
Detective Inspector Craig Joel said the man had reportedly spoken to several children and offered them lollies.
He said no children had been harmed or assaulted at this stage.
“The man drives a white van, and is believed to be of caucasian appearance,” he said.
“He has reportedly spoken to children near school grounds, after school hours.
“While the intentions of the man are unclear at this stage, it is important that we are all vigilant and that any unusual vehicles parked near schools or other locations where children congregate are reported to police.”
Detective Inspector Joel said detectives were investigating the matter and police were increasing patrols around school areas.
“Parents, carers and other community members can help us by keeping a look out for vehicles parked in unusual places, and telling someone if they see suspicious activity such as an adult trying to stop and speak with children in unsupervised areas,” he said.
“If you see something suspicious, note down the person’s description and the vehicle’s registration if possible.”
Three injured in Tasman Highway crash
Updated May 22, 8am: A 62-year-old woman from Pyengana has died while being treated in hospital following a three-vehicle crash on the Tasman Highway at St Helens, police confirm.
Emergency services rushed to reports of a crash near Beauty Point shortly before 3.30pm on Tuesday.
Police say the woman had been taken to the St Helens District Hospital to receive treatment.
A 61-year-old man from Pyengana, who was also a passenger in the same vehicle, was also taken to the same hospital before being transferred to the Launceston General Hospital for further care.
Officers said his injuries were believed to not be life-threatening.
They say the driver of a second vehicle — a 28-year-old man from St Helens — also suffered minor injuries and was taken to St Helens District Hospital for treatment.
The driver of the third vehicle, a 43-year-old Sandy Bay man, was reportedly not injured in the crash.
Police confirmed a report would be prepared for the Coroner.
The stretch of highway was closed for most of the evening, only reopening to traffic at 11pm.
4:15pm: Three people have been injured after a crash on the Tasman Highway, near Beauty Bay.
Police say one of those injured has been rushed to the Royal Hobart Hospital with serious injuries.
Authorities are at the scene of the crash and the highway is blocked in both directions.
Traffic is being diverted at Golden Fleece Bridge and Falmouth Street.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area until the scene can be cleared.
Eastern Shore home gutted, charred from fire
May 21, 1.45pm: Investigators say a fire that destroyed a house at Howrah overnight was accidental.
A TFS spokesperson said the blaze was deemed to be accidental due to an electrical failure.
Reportedly, the residents had safely escaped the Belar St home prior to emergency services arriving around 6.20pm on Monday night.
May 21, 9.30am: A brick home on Hobart’s Eastern Shore has been left blackened and charred after a fire erupted on Monday.
The rear of the Belar St, Howrah home reportedly caught on fire at 6.30pm.
Crews from Clarence, Hobart, Glenorchy and Bridgewater were all in attendance to extinguish the blaze, with a Tasmania Fire Service spokesperson confirming on Tuesday morning it had contained and extinguished.
Fire and police investigators are now on the scene.
Vehicle crashes into power pole cuts off 100+ residents
May 21, 3.20pm: More than 100 residents on Hobart’s Eastern Shore are without power after a vehicle has crashed into a power pole on Tuesday afternoon.
Motorists are being asked to avoid Malunna and Beach roads, Lindisfarne after a vehicle brought down a powerpole and lines.
No injuries have been reported but the two roads are closed to allow emergency services to respond.
Two house fires in northern Tasmania
May 21, 12.30pm: A Launceston fire crew noticed a house on fire while driving past a property on George Town Rd, Newnham.
They were joined by crews from Rocherlea and are working to contain and control the blaze.
Tasmania Police is also on the scene and have asked motorists to avoid the Alanvale roundabout area or to expect delays.
Earlier, crews were alerted to a house fire at about 11.15am at Cethena Rd, Cethena, which is at the foot of Mt Roland in the state’s north.
Fire fighters from Devonport, Claude Rd and Railton worked to control the fire — which was well alight upon arrival.
Man faces more charges following alleged armed robbery
May 21, 10.15am: Police investigations have led to a man facing further charges in relation to an alleged armed robbery in Mole Creek last Monday.
Police say the 36-year-old Ravenswood man will now be jointly charged with robbery — along with a 26-year-old Launceston woman who was charged immediately after the incident.
An officer said his charges had been upgraded to aggravated armed robbery as well as recklessly discharge a firearm, aggravated assault, and other firearms offences.
He had initially been charged with breach firearms prohibition order, evade police, and unlicensed driving following the incident on 13 May.
He is set to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court today.
Two vehicle crash blocks one lane on Tasman Highway
Update 9.53am: The scene is now clear.
May 21, 8.35am: Emergency services rush to Cambridge during peak hour after a two vehicle crash.
One of the Sorell bound lands is reportedly blocked due to the incident.
Motorists have been asked to avoid the area if possible with delays expected.
Police officers say no injuries have been reported.
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